This continuous rod is sealed and then cut into the required lengths for 

 the particular brand being Droduced. In the case of nonf liter cigarettes, 

 these cut cigarettes are placed by machine into suitable containers for de- 

 livery to a packaging system. 



Popular cigarette lengths currently include regular, usually 70mm, king 

 size, usuallv 85mm, and super king, usually 100mm. The average circumference 

 of all cigarettes is 25mm, but this can vary slightly according to brand. 



Filter Cigarettes 



The majority of cigarettes produced in the U.S.A., presently, are "fil- 

 ter-tipped" (estimated at over 80%). Cigarettes with filters are produced in 

 exactly the same manner as nonfilter cigarettes up to the point of cutting the 

 continuous rod into individual lengths. Generally speaking, the filter plug 

 is about 20mm for king-size cigarettes, and 25mm for the super kings. 



In order to produce f ilter-tioped cigarettes, additional machinery is 

 linked directly to the cigarette-making machine to receive the cut lengths o c 

 tobacco rod. A measured length of filter material (usually cellulose acetate) 

 is placed between two sections of finished cigarettes. A "tipping" paper 

 material, usually either of cork or opaque white appearance, is wraDped around 

 the filter, sealing it to the ends of the two cigarettes. This double ciga- 

 rette with the filter in the center is then cut exactly through its middle to 

 form individual filter-tipped cigarettes, which are automatically olaced into 

 suitable transfer containers for delivery to a packaging system. 



Modern cigarette-making machines are fitted with control units which 

 monitor and automatically correct the weight of the tobacco used in the ciga- 

 rettes produced and also insDect each cigarette for quality defects. Ciga- 

 rettes which do not meet rigid quality standards are automatically rejected. 



Packaging Systems 



Modern cigarette factories now use packing machines, machines for trans- 

 parent overwrap, and cartoning machines in an "in line" operation rather than 

 as separate units. This improves product flow and avoids unnecessary han- 

 dling. 



Filled containers of cigarettes are fed by machine into the hopper of a 

 packing machine. These cigarettes are then arranged into groups of twentv 

 cigarettes and inspected bv an electromechanical device. Each group of 

 twenty cigarettes is wrapped in aluminum foil, and a paper label bea"inq 

 brand markings is wrapped around the aluminum foil, leaving one end exposed. 

 A small sticker or closure is fixed to the paper label to close it over the 

 exnosed aluminum foil. 



The comnleted packs are fed direct into another machine where thev are 

 overwrapped with cellophane or similar film to preserve freshness. A strip 

 of tear taoe material is fixed to the overwrapping film in order to provide 



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